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Indian Valley Mine

Will you strike it rich? At Indian Valley Mine, guests visit a real gold mine and learn to pan for gold—and keep what they find! It’s a popular destination in November, thanks to the turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens on the working farm. The mine’s hey day was 1920-39, and one of the first early settlement sites in the Turnagain Arm. Developed by Peter R. Strong, he was one of the “98ers” who decided to stick around in Alaska after the gold rush.

The mine is a fantastic relic, and a small mining operation that’s become an Anchorage landmark. On the land is “The Cabin” and an Assay building, which are two of the oldest buildings in the region and featured on the National Historic Site.

Golden

Gold panning demonstrations get guests ready to try their luck at the mine. During the demo, listen to stories told by prospector Strong and take a tour of the log cabin and assay office. There are incredible Alaskan adventures to learn about, and visitors can even handle some of the old tools and artifacts inside the museum.

Bring binoculars and take advantage of stunning views of Turnagain Arm. Picnic tables and benches are peppered throughout the grounds, and in November guests might just spot some of the late-season salmon runs. Native plants, winter vegetables and songbirds provide an ambiance you can’t find anywhere else.